We've started a new evaluation process for our long-term vehicles here at Motor Trend, whereby individual editors will effectively "own" the vehicles for all or most of the time we have them in the fleet. The idea is to improve the quality of our long-term reports, to get beyond what can often boil down to a series of impressions, and get to the nitty-gritty of what it's actually like to live with the vehicle under test.

"Owning" our new Porsche Cayenne long-termer might not seem like taking one for the team, but bear with me. I could have ordered the Turbo. After all, a 500-horsepower SUV that'll nail 0-60 in the low 4s and has a claimed top speed of 172 mph sounds wickedly entertaining. But, no, in the interests of journalistic endeavor, I ordered the S Hybrid.Why? It's technically intriguing. The powertrain is composed of a 333-horse, supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 and eight-speed automatic transmission with a compact 47-horse electric motor. Total system output is 380 horses and 427 pound-feet, compared with the 400 horses and 369 pound-feet delivered by the 4.8-liter V-8 in the regular Cayenne S. It's also philosophically interesting. While today's diesels can deliver impressive performance and a diesel is offered in Euro-spec Cayennes (and now the Panamera), Porsche engineers are not entirely convinced oil-burners are right for the brand. So this is Zuffenhausen's alternative: a performance-oriented hybrid. And I want to find out whether the hardware delivers on the promise.

It didn't take more than a few clicks on the options configurator to send the S Hybrid's sticker soaring from the $68,675 base price to $93,285. The 20-inch Cayenne SportDesign II wheels added $2730, XM radio $750, and a trailer hitch $650. The Premium Package Plus cost $11,650, but it includes the air suspension with PASM, the 26. 4-gallon extended fuel tank, and 14-way power seats with memory-among other goodies-that I figure will make the S Hybrid a killer road-trip vehicle.Okay, now about that color. It's called Sand Yellow, costs $3140 extra, and we ordered it because the photo/video guys wanted something to liven up the long-term fleet's color palette. Not my first choice, I'll admit, but, hey, I'll take one for the team.

The combination of 5,200 lbs., 5.6 seconds to 60 and 20 average mpg is pretty impressive, but the $93k sticker is not. Like the Rolls folks say, if you have to ask how much it costs, you can't afford it!! Why someone would order this over the 300 horsepower base Cayenne at around $50k (unless you get carried away with the options),or go ahead and break the 6 figure piggy bank for a Cayenne Turbo is beyond me.

Luxury hybrids are ridiculous. They don't make sense. Also, the resale value of the hybrid version compared to the other Cayenne's will be horrible. There are a lot more parts to go wrong too. Imagine how much they, and the labor, will cost out of warranty.

@valdaviper +1. Also I never knew 380 hp and 427 lb-ft was so close to 305 hp and 280 hp...This just goes to show that the future of hybrids are stronger than ever. This along with the Infiniti M35h and upcoming Lexus GS Hybrid will pave the way for performance hybrids.

@Heartbeat...Idk where you got the same power as a Mustang V6..but if you believe that then all I have to say is people might spend $90k, but if this 5,300 lbs. SUV can hit 0-60 in 5.6, it's pretty ridiculous that a V6 Automatic Mustang weighing 3,500 lbs. hits it in 6.2.....just look up the V6 pony car commuter test on MT...

So the SUV of the year which you guys kept saying offered "value" is over $90k? While I agree it's a beautiful and capable SUV, and it does offer a lot compared to other vehicles in its luxury class(no the GC is not luxury), it's still about $30k MINIMUM overpriced with your options dontchathink? Good think you didn't spring for an extra $900 cupholder or two :)